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How To Perfect Your Family Vacation

5/13/2019

 

Recipe For Your Best Family Vacation, Yet!

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ALL INCLUSIVE
Not having to decide what to do next or think about cost makes vacation much more enjoyable! Restaurants with a variety of cuisines and an abundance of land & water activities to choose from daily, are just a few reasons why all inclusive travel options are growing in popularity.  When you are looking for something special, relaxing and fun for everyone; top quality all inclusive resort and cruise options make it easy for the entire family to have the time of their lives.
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Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to help you plan your next trip! She is a river & luxury cruise specialist and all inclusive expert. Her professional planning services bring you added value from research through return at no extra cost.

Check Out These 5 Star Favorite Excursions

12/24/2018

 

The Stars Don't Lie! Reviewed and Rated By People Like you!!

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Swimming Pigs Adventure - Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 foot custom designed Power Cat while you  swim with the pigs, snorkel, beach comb and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in one tour. Your captain and first mate will entertain you with excellent knowledge and first class service as you cruise in and out of over 75 magnificent, little known cays with several stops along the way. Take incredible photos atop an island with 360-degree views of the Exuma cays. Visit the endangered Bahamian rock Iguana at an island, which the original natives of the Bahamas once called home. Circle past the million dollar privately owned islands of celebrities, and speed across waters only inches deep as Stingrays race across the bottom. No journey into the cays is complete without feeding the always hilarious Swimming Pigs. Afterwards snorkel and swim along a lively reef with magnificent colors while a nearby virgin sandbar awaits your exploration
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​Dolphin Encounter - Enter the world of these gentle bottlenose beauties with a special kiss and caress while you get a chance to make friends, touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphins.  Also, learn some interesting facts about these wonderful creatures from a knee deep water platform. You can also view the exciting Shark Show, performed by our very own pirates of “Little Port Royal.” Interact with the colorful birds, exotic snakes and iguanas on the nature trail. Enjoy unlimited mini-boat rides, a 40ft. water slide and interactions with the gentle stingrays (with barbs clipped).
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MINI-Routes To Negril - Buckle up and take the wheel of your own MINI Cooper during this first-of-its-kind journey along Jamaica’s beautiful north-west coast to the ‘capital of casual’, Negril! This exciting new experience puts you in the driver’s seat as you follow behind an expert island guide to local spots and famous landmarks. Your journey begins with a short stop at a local coconut vendor. Then hop back in your MINI and drive through the historic town of Lucea. Once you arrive in Negril it’s time for some delicious food and a relaxing break on the Seven Mile Beach. In the afternoon drive to the iconic Negril Lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island where you can see the lighthouse and take in the gorgeous view. Next, visit the legendary Ricks Café where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the daring cliff-divers, snap a few pictures and enjoy the stunning views.  On your way back to Montego Bay you’ll make a final stop at an authentic jerk shack for a quick cooking demonstration. It’s time to take your island experience into your own hands on this fully-loaded adventure, but get ready because there’s nothing ‘mini’ about it! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit the local communities that we call home.
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Luminous Lagoon Experience - Join in at sunset for a trip to Jamaica's famed Luminous Lagoon on a night cruise like no other! With a complimentary rum or fruit punch in hand, hop aboard to head out to the magical glistening waters. Surrounded by mangroves, at night the waters of the lagoon are home to microscopic organisms that emit a phosphorescent blue light when disturbed. Once you’ve cruised to the middle of the lagoon, you can jump in and really experience the true beauty of this unusual natural wonder. Luminous Lagoon is one of the few places in the world to have such a high concentration of these harmless organisms, this is truly something not to be missed!
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Moriah Sea Park Adventure - ​Head over to the Exuma’s famous Moriah Harbor Cay National Park and become one with Mother Nature! Spanning across 10-miles of diverse land and sea, this park is home to reef fish, stingrays, turtles, dolphins and more! Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes on the water, for you never know which ocean animal will swim by to say hello! Then, come face-to-face with these exotic sea-creatures as you cool off in the aquamarine sea and snorkel to your hearts content!
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Reggae Catamaran Cruise - ​Sway to the sounds of reggae on one of the Caribbean’s most wet ’n’ wild adventures! Indulge in delectable appetizers and unlimited exotic cocktails while enjoying the best panoramic views you’ll ever set your eyes on. There’s nothing quite like this ‘club on water’ to feel the pulse of the island and see the wonders of the Caribbean. Snorkeling is included.
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Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com today to plan your customized all inclusive trip to the Caribbean!
Chris is an all inclusive expert, as well as Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia and Honeymoon specialist!! You can count on her for professional reliable recommendations. 

Caribbean Update

11/19/2018

 
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The Caribbean sustained an unprecedented amount of hurricane damage in 2017, and while the vast majority of islands came through relatively unscathed, others weren’t so lucky. The Virgin Islands were hit particularly hard, a territory that includes St. Thomas, St. Barts, St. John, and St. Croix. How are these islands faring today? Here’s our rundown of what to expect on some of the Caribbean’s most popular islands:
 
St. Thomas
This much-loved island took direct hits from both Irma and Maria, but is well on its way to recovery. Cruise ship visits have returned to pre-hurricane levels, and while some hotels are still rebuilding, many resorts has recently reopened, and there are plenty of villas and condos for rent.
 
St. Barts
Also hit with a tough one-two punch, the largest of the island’s hotels and resorts aren’t slated to reopen until later in the year, but smaller hotels and most of the restaurants and shops on the island are open and welcoming visitors with open arms.
 
St. John
The spectacular Virgins Islands National Park makes up two-thirds of this picturesque island, and we’re happy to report the park has officially reopened. In addition, a handful of hotels, including the Westin St. John, bed and breakfast properties and luxury rentals are available.
 
St. Croix
Spared by Irma, St. Croix took a direct hit from Maria and the effects were devastating. You’d be hard-pressed to tell today, however, as the recovery has been swift and impressive. Although some hotels won’t reopen until later in the year, the popular Buccaneer Hotel is open, as is a new hotel, The Fred, that has quickly won over visitors.
 
Still unsure? Contact All-Inclusive Vacation Specialist, Chris Rakes! She knows which destinations are in the best shape, and where to get the best value for your vacation dollars.

More Done to Aid in Keeping Sargassum Away

10/15/2018

 
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Barriers Added And Maintenance Working Round The Clock To Keep Favorite Beaches Clean

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In a continuing effort to keep sargassum from hitting land, an additional 27-kilometers of the seaweed barriers have been placed along the beaches in Riviera Maya.

Comercializadora Chaktumen of Quintana Roo, the company installing the barriers, completed the task on Thursday. The extra containment barriers won’t be placed in just one location, but added in sections of 500 or 1,000 meters in front of the most affected beaches during sargassum season.

According to the Riviera Maya News, the municipalities of Cancun, Mahahual, Puerto Morelos and Tulum, along with the old town of Playa del Carmen to the south of Punta Venado, are all considered high-priority locations for the barriers to be placed.

“We do not know the volumes nor the exact sites to which the marine vegetation will arrive, but the objective is to guarantee that the beaches are clean and available for tourism and that the balance of the environment is also ensured,” said Alfredo Arellano, Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo.

Arellano also added that even with the additional barriers in place, regular maintenance and cleaning will still need to be done to ensure the beaches are sargassum free. Vehicles equipped with vacuum suction will be brought in to remove piled seaweed already on land.

With these extra barriers added, those already hard at work clearing the seaweed and the two sargassum boats the US sent over to help with cleaning efforts, there’s no reason tourists should let sargassum deter them from these popular Mexican Caribbean destinations.

The entire Cancun region is a great spot with friendly people, impeccable service and beautiful resorts.  Contact All Inclusive Vacation Expert & Mexico Specialist, Chris Rakes to learn more and plan your Riviera Mayan vacation!

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    Chris Rakes

    River Cruise & Luxury All Inclusive Travel Advisor

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No fees are charged to clients, as we get paid by suppliers when clients travel.  The only exception to this is when clients cancel after bookings are confirmed with deposit and assistance has been provided.  In this case, a service fee of $250 will be charged for individual reservations  or $500 for groups.  

  • Home
  • Meet Chris
    • Client Reviews
  • Viking &
    • Viking River Cruises
    • Viking Ocean Cruises
    • Ports of Call
  • Tours & More
    • Worldwide Activities
  • Sandals / Beaches
    • Group Travel
    • Caribbean Activities
    • Mexico Activities
  • Live_Fun
    • Travel Resources
    • Travel Specials
  • Contact
    • Small Group Travel Sign Up